Weekend rains help ease fire threat across Alabama

View full size(National Drought Mitigation Center)A map from the National Drought Impact Reporter shows the number of reported drought-related incidents across Alabama.

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Rains are helping ease the threat of wildfires and drought across Alabama.

Most of the state received at least a little rain Sunday and today, with rainfall totals of a half-inch or more common in southwest, northeast and northwest Alabama. The National Weather Services says parts of Washington and Clarke counties had more than 2 inches of rain, and other areas got heavy rain on Saturday.

That's a big help since the entire state has been abnormally dry for weeks, leading to an increased chance of fires. East-central Alabama remains in an extreme drought.

The entire state on Sunday remained under a fire alert that had been issued last week. A fire alert means no burning permits will be issued.

The weather service says rain chances decrease through the week, but temperatures should remain cooler. Highs are predicted in the 70s and 80s, with lows mostly in the 50s.